Journey to Bethlehem

This holiday season, travel back in time to first century Israel and experience the original Christmas story, as Racine Christian Church will present Journey to Bethlehem.

The three-night event will be held Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 at the church, located a quarter mile west of Racine. Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. nightly, with guests in small groups starting on the Journey about every five minutes.

The groups will be guided on a trek from Nazareth to the family’s ancestral home in Bethlehem to enroll and be counted in the census.

Along the way, participants will meet a host of fellow travelers, Roman cavalry, shepherds, radical revolutionaries, camels and other animals, and more. Visitors are encouraged to participate by interacting with characters and helping with hands-on activities. The journey concludes with a heart-warming scene in a stable with a newborn baby and a message of hope.

The event features a cast of more than 200 in period costume, hundreds of volunteers, live animals, authentic sets and a living nativity. The event draws more than 3,000 visitors annually.

The trail is about a quarter mile in length and takes about 45 minutes to complete. The trail is illuminated with torches and there are fires at each station along the way to warm by. Golf carts are provided to those who need assistance. To avoid delays, those needing help should speak with a staff member upon their arrival at the church. Most of the time is spent outdoors on a mulched trail, so dress accordingly.

For more information, please call 501-5821 or the church at 776-2280. Follow the journey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/racine.christian.